‘The Evolution of Motorcycle Fashion’ Infographic

If you include mopeds, motor scooters, motorized bicycles, and other powered two and three-wheelers, there are around 200 million motorcycles in the world. The popularity of these vehicles can be attributed to anything from saving money on gas, long-distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, or racing for sport. But, why do bikers wear clothing like leather jackets, chaps, or heavy boots?

For many bikers out there, they’re not looking to make a fashion statement or prove how tough they are. Just riding a bike is making a statement on its own. Instead, they’re wearing gear that protects their bodies and clothes from the elements and sometimes hazardous conditions that come with riding a motorcycle. That’s not to say, however, that their style hasn’t created a biker chic movement. After all, don’t we all want to rock a leather jacket and hit the open road sometimes?

Motorcycle fashion has come a long way since the Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede, a steam-powered velocipede made in France sometime from 1867 to 1871, claimed to be the first motorcycle to hit the streets. Which is why Bennetts, the No.1 Bike Insurance Specialist in the UK, created the following infographic that explores the evolution of motorcycle fashion since those first motorbikes of the 19th Century began to grow in popularity.